Portsmouth-born Mason Mount handed maiden England call-up

The former Purbrook Park pupil is included in Gareth Southgate's set up for the Three Lions' Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain later this month.

Mount, who was on Pompey's books as a junior, has caught the eye for Derby County this campaign.

On a season-long loan from Chelsea, the midfielder has registered three goals and an assist for Frank Lampard's side in the Championship.

Mount also helped the Rams knock Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup, with the youngster netting the opening penalty of the shoot-out.

The 19-year-old only made his debut for England under-21s last month, netting in their 2-1 victory over Latvia.

But his impressive form has earned him a berth in Southgate's squad for matches in Croatia (October 12) and Spain (October 15). 

If Mount wins his first Three Lions cap, he'd become only the seventh post-war player hailing for Portsmouth to do so. 

Lampard thanked Southgate for recognising the youngster's talent.

The Derby manager told the club's website: I'm delighted for Mason and it's a deserved call-up.

'˜I appreciate and say thanks to Gareth Southgate and Steve Holland but it is their job and if they have seen that Mason is performing well enough to get in then we are thrilled for him who deserves it on his performances.

'˜He's had a season on loan last season where he did fantastic (at Vitesse Arnhem).

'˜He was maybe off our radars being in Holland but what he's doing now has catapulted him into the thinking and I'm really pleased.

'˜I'm sure he will do himself justice when he trains with them.'